This is one of the most common questions we get asked. The answer is yes, but it helps to understand that the volume of the drink isn’t always the most important measurement when it comes to choosing the right stubby holder.
At Soupcan, we have been manufacturing stubby holders for over 20 years and during that time we’ve offered two main sizes – Standard and Slim.
How Stubby Holder Sizes Have Changed
If you happen to find an old stubby holder from 20 or 30 years ago, you’ll probably notice it’s wider than the standard holders we make today. That’s because beer bottles, or “stubbies”, used to be much wider in diameter than they are now.
Over time, many breweries redesigned their bottles. They became taller, slimmer, and more efficient to manufacture and transport. Popular beers such as VB, Coopers Pale Ale, Crown Lager and many others moved towards narrower bottle designs.
As the beer industry evolved, so did the humble stubby holder. We adjusted our standard size cooler to be slightly narrower, creating a better fit for modern beer bottles while still allowing room for a standard 375ml can. It was a balancing act – make it too narrow and cans wouldn’t fit; make it too wide and bottles would be loose.
Eventually we reached a point where some bottles and cans were simply too slim for a standard stubby holder. That’s where the Slim Stubby Holder was born.
Why We Started Making Slim Stubby Holders
Originally, we introduced our Slim Stubby Holder specifically for Corona bottles. Anyone who has ever put a Corona into a standard cooler knows the feeling – it sits loose, wobbles around, and doesn’t provide much insulation.
The slim design solved that problem by creating a snug fit around narrow bottles. What started as a niche product quickly became more popular as beverage trends changed.
Today, slim cans and bottles are everywhere.
It’s Not About the Millilitres
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the drink volume determines whether it will fit a stubby holder.
In reality, diameter is far more important.
You can have two drinks that both contain 375ml, but if one is packaged in a slim can and the other is in a traditional can, they may require completely different stubby holders.
The internal diameter of the Soupcan Slim Stubby Holder is approximately 57-60mm, making it ideal for slim-profile beverages.
Popular Drinks That Suit Slim Stubby Holders
Slim stubby holders are perfect for a growing range of drinks, including:
- Corona bottles
- Hard seltzers
- Vodka soda cans
- Gin and tonic premix cans
- Skinny alcoholic mixers
- Energy drink cans
- Slim sparkling water cans
- Many RTD (Ready To Drink) beverages
The rise of hard seltzers and low-carb premixed drinks has dramatically increased demand for slim coolers in recent years. Many of these products are packaged in tall, narrow cans that are designed to stand out on the shelf but can feel loose in a standard stubby holder.
Will a Standard 375ml Beer Can Fit?
A traditional Australian 375ml beer can is generally too wide for a Slim Stubby Holder. These cans are designed to fit our Standard Stubby Holder range.
If you’re ordering custom stubby holders for an event, wedding, business promotion or sporting club, it’s worth considering what your guests are most likely to be drinking. If the drinks are mainly beer cans and bottles, the Standard size is usually the safest option. If the crowd prefers seltzers, premixes or Corona-style bottles, the Slim size may be a better fit.
Which Size Should You Choose?
The Standard Stubby Holder remains our most popular size because it accommodates the widest range of beverages. However, Slim Stubby Holders continue to grow in popularity as beverage packaging trends move towards narrower cans and bottles.
If you’re unsure which size is right for your drinks, simply let us know what brand or beverage you’re using and we’ll tell you which of our stubby holders will fit the best.
After all, the perfect stubby holder isn’t determined by what’s inside the can – it’s determined by the size of the can itself… but having a nice tasting drink in it sure helps. 🙂
